The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People is a ministry focused on affirming God's concern for humanity. It brings together Presbyterians and ecumenical partners who are united in their dissatisfaction with poverty and oppression. Through sharing, confronting, and enabling actions, this ministry participates in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people, striving to alter the structures that perpetuate poverty, oppression, and injustice.
The grant program by the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People emphasizes several core strategies including promoting justice, building stronger communities, and seeking economic equity. To be considered for funding, projects must be presented, owned, and controlled by economically poor communities that will directly benefit. These initiatives should aim for long-term solutions to conditions that entrench poverty and oppression, reflecting the committee's core strategies. Projects must also be environmentally sensitive, and must not advocate violence as a means to achieve their objectives.